Verschwörungstheorien zu 9/11

Abstract

Abstract This article discusses 9/11 conspiracy theories with a focus on the United States and Europe. After defining conspiracy theories – and thus distinguishing conspiracy theories about the attacks of September 11, 2001, from the official version, which also revolves around a conspiracy – the article traces the emergence of these theories and their development over the twenty years since the attacks. As I show, 9/11 conspiracy theories emerged quickly after the events. However, for two years they were far more popular in Germany and France where they were fueled by anti-Americanism than in the United States where they only gained traction with the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Their popularity peaked around 2005 with the release of the Loose Change films online, but they never went out of fashion entirely. As is typical of conspiracy theories revolving around specific events, they were over time integrated in larger conspiracist narratives such as that of the “Great Replacement.” People who believe in 9/11 conspiracy theories – just as those who believe in others – should not be dismissed as mentally ill, as their beliefs can be symptoms of real anxieties and grievances.